You will most likely need the datalink package, be prepared to drill some holes for microphone, gps and wired USB install. Get an HDMI cord before you start so you can have that ready to route with your USB cord to access full video features with Apple phone as needed. If you get the data link maestro you will need you radio serial number to flash the new module and yes you will have to flash it on a laptop/computer. The crutchfield directions help some so start there, then use the radio install guide to help but if you get the datalink then those instructions are step by step, not everything will be plugged in and the colors may not look right but trust the process. As always do an operational check before you stuff everything into your dash.

Using the radio is seamless and easy to use, you can now plug your phone in put of the sun and operate everything with your radio to include calls. The lack of a volume knob is something to get used to but not terrible, the set up options and settings are nice to include look angle and dimming features. Overall very happy with it, i found with my install i have to take my dash apart some but not too bad, just plan out any holes you drill to include plug size/ length for routing. With full package all steering controls work great, you can even customize them when you flash your datalink. 2014 Town and country.

The sound quality and DSP capabilities of this unit are excellent. The CarPlay is very responsive, but the rest of the user interface feels a little sluggish by comparison.

My front speakers are 6x9 components with 6x9 in the door and tweeter on the dash of my 2013 Nissan Xterra. The tweeters on my aftermarket speakers were oppressive out of the box with the factory head unit. The Speaker Set Up on the JVC/Kenwood units gives you a variable (based on small, medium, large tweeter selection) high-shelf EQ control for the tweeter "gain" on the crossover. The new speakers sound beautiful now.

The Metra mounting kit that was provided partially crops my view of the keys and makes it a little difficult to touch the keys. Not the best fit with the lines of the dash as the trim ring protrudes from my dash about 1.5MM.

The biggest issue I have and my reason for docking a star is with the screen brightness at night. The location high in my dash and largely in my field of view may be a contributing factor for me. It's too bright with dimmer on and brightness down all the way. I drive with my headlights on, so the screen is always dimmed for "night mode" and I can see it just fine with my sunglasses on. The JVC has a "Display Off" feature that turns the display to video black and shows a clock, but keeps the backlight cranking out blue light. It bothers my eyes at night to the point I may upgrade to the Kenwood DMX7909s just to get a true "Display Off" f

I use this only for SiriusXM, CarPlay and the iDatalink feature, don't care about much else so my experience focuses on those options. CarPlay works as it should.

The SXM layout is so cluttered yet lacks any clear information. It looks dated. The saved channel selection is in groups of five along the right edge, with a total of four "pages", so 20 total spots to save your favs. These five fav buttons per screen do not list the station name, only the channel number. There is a slide out tray from those buttons that will expand and show the station names but it covers half the screen. Oddly, using the on-screen Channel UP button goes down the list and Channel DOWN goes up the list.

Aside from that, I find it way too bright at night. Even with the brightness set to its maximum -15, it's still too bright at night.

It is a fingerprint magnet, wow!

I purchased the scratch-n-dent unit. While I am happy with the price paid and am not knocking this transaction for it but I wish Crutchfield would list, even vaguely, what damage a unit has. Other reviews glowed about the scratch and dent options on other items so I felt comfortable going that route. Mine had a couple pretty noticeable gouges/scratches in the screen & the unit hadn't been reset from the previous buyer/install, all their settings and bluetooth connections were still set up. With the screen gouges, the anti-fingerprint overlay I put on magnifies those defects. I don't think I'd go the scratch-n-dent route nex

My 2003 Tundra lacked a backup camera, a feature that I often wished for. I ordered this JVC stereo unit because it offered the option of connecting a backup camera and because it had a large display similar to what I've seen in new vehicles. It arrived promptly with the required cables, hardware and links to the instruction manuals in pdf format. The instructions were a bit overwhelming. I realized after proceeding with installation that much of the instruction provided apparently wasn't relevant if you had purchased the cable made for your vehicle. Actually, it was mostly a matter of removing the old unit and plugging the cables into the new unit and the associated connectors. I had to remove the driver's seat to route the camera cable to the outside under the truck, but that was simple--remove four bolts. The Crutchfield tech support folks are great. They were very patient and answered my questions to my satisfaction. I talked to them briefly a total of three times to clarify that I was splicing to the proper wires for the parking brake and the reverse light to power the camera. I was delighted when everything worked properly the first time I tested it. Again, the great technical support by the Crutchfield techs makes all the difference.